Buttressed by a long history of creative costuming, year seven of Shepherdstown’s Identity Crisis breast cancer awareness fundraiser will celebrate the power of head decor with this year’s theme: “Head Games: 7th-Annual Identity Crisis Fundraiser.” The event will take place on Saturday, August 13, from 6pm–midnight, and includes a VIP pre-party, red carpet arrival with motorcade, discounts at participating businesses, photo booth fun, a dance party, and much more.

Known far and wide as an eclectic gathering of hundreds of wildly costumed revelers, Identity Crisis represents a much greater purpose—as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness–Cumberland Valley (BCA-CV)—a non-profit organization composed of breast cancer survivors and individuals concerned about the disease who offer free support and services to those in need.

This year represents the fourth year Identity Crisis will support BCA-CV, and the second year that Identity Crisis boasts non-profit status itself—beneath “The Victory Project” banner.

As far as the 2016 theme, headgear has long held a place in history, distinguishing eras, echelon, rank, and culture. Whether utilitarian in nature, for fun, sport, fashion, protection, or adornment, humans have traditionally been compelled to “dress up their heads.” Masks, and even war paint, have been used as disguise, for entertainment, as a means of self-expression, and even vocation.

The beauty of Identity Crisis is that any and all of these options are on the table. Wig out, throw on a fedora, don a horse head, or construct a masterpiece that will blow people’s minds. Regardless, if history proves correct, August 13 will serve as an extravaganza of cranium costumery the likes of which will have the bystanding multitudes abuzz for the rest of the weekend.

One local entrepreneur undeniably excited for Identity Crisis is Jeni Peterson, a floral arrangement professional, and owner of Westvirjeni.

“I’ve been a sponsor in years past, and I designed the headpieces for the promotional shots this year,” she noted. “I feel lucky to be a part of such a meaningful event and I’m really excited about wearable flowers this year. When I found out about this year’s theme, I knew I’d have the chance to get extravagant with the headpiece designs. The possibilities are endless! Floral hats, headbands, mohawks, flower crowns, masks, hair pieces, and more.”

Worth mentioning: Jeni will be taking custom orders for the event to be picked up the day of. Contact her through the website (above).

Limited tickets are available on the website for the VIP pre-party and/or dance party until August 7. This year’s pre-party will be located at the Retreat Center at Shepherds Cove (just outside of Shepherdstown), from 5-7pm. Shuttles for ticket holders will start from Town Run Brewing Company in Shepherdstown at 4pm, and return to the entrance of Mi Degollado’s (German and Princess Streets) after 7pm—for the red carpet festivity. Additionally, The Mecklenburg Inn and Domestic will be offering drink specials, with percentages filtering back to BCA-CV. The dance party—“Club Crisis”—will continue from 9–11:30pm at Town Run ($15 at the door or online).

For more information on tickets, tax deductions, donations, sponsorship, and all-things ID Crisis, visit the website, as well as the official Facebook page.

Shepherdstown’s renowned American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) kicks off its 13th season this week, October 23–25, with a full weekend of films, workshops, family programs, and special receptions. From over 150 submissions, 46 of the most outstanding current conservation films have been chosen for this fall’s festival. A listing of all films, film descriptions, and trailers can be seen here.

Dedicated to promoting outstanding films and the arts to educate and inspire people to become engaged in conservation, the motivating force behind ACFF is the power of imagery to engage, inform, and inspire.

Created by a group of volunteers who shared both a devotion to film arts and a commitment to conservation, ACFF was built on the belief that attitudes about the environment are shaped by our experiences, and that people and their cultures are an essential part of Earth’s biosphere.

The venture started and has remained in Shepherdstown, the location of two partners who have provided the venues for films since the Festival’s founding: the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) and Shepherd University. From the outset, ACFF struck a chord with local filmgoers and tourists from D.C. and the Baltimore/Maryland regions. ACFF has expanded its audience by keeping ticket prices low and presenting many of its films for free.

In addition to the dazzling selection of films, ACFF also invites guest lecturers to help frame the topics of films that illuminate pressing environmental issues. The organization’s ultimate aim is to provide venues for a diverse range of conservation films that rarely receive a wide showing, celebrate the festival in historic Shepherdstown, showcase independent, historic, publicly funded and Appalachian films, support young film makers, and offer education components that complement the selections.

The action starts this Thursday with a special event at the NCTC, and then continues into Friday with films throughout the evening, including an OPENING NIGHT PARTY at Domestic—sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Attendees will experience a lovely evening of discounted cocktails, delicious food, interaction with filmmakers and special guests, as well as fellow festivalgoers. Jazz/funk music will be provided by popular local band, Ginada Piñata. Find a full listing of ACFF special events here.

2015 also represents the fourth year of the ACFF Filmmaker Workshop. Speakers include ACFF filmmakers and representatives from the Smithsonian Channel, National Geographic, Greenpeace, and more. Festivalgoers are encouraged to take part in two days of hands-on workshops and expert seminars on the craft of conservation filmmaking. From camera gear to storytelling to distribution, the ACFF team of premier filmmakers and industry experts provide helpful insights for filmmakers and media producers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Find out more here.

Online purchases and registration at free events are highly encouraged to guarantee your seat. Tickets will also be available for purchase at The Local Source and the Shepherdstown Opera House. During the festival, tickets will be available for purchase onsite at the Opera House, the Byrd Center for Legislative Studies, and Reynolds Hall (Shepherd University). Credit Cards accepted at the Opera House—cash and checks preferred at the other venues. All ticket information can be found here.

The ACFF full schedule of films can be found here, and a listing of all venues here.

ACFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dependent upon support from people like YOU. There are a number of ways you can help. All you need to know about supporting ACFF can be found here.

Little House. (Saturday, 10:00 – 4:00 and Sunday, 11:00 – 4:00) Built in1929 as a teacher training project the farm includes a small limestone cottage in full detail, near the street. Behind the house is a miniature dairy barn. S Princess St between E German and High Streets.

Entler Hotel & Museum. (Saturday, 10 – 4 and Sunday, 11 – 4) One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons. It is as much a symbol of the Town as McMurran Hall or the Rumsey Monument. And it is much older. Its origins go all the way back to 1786. 129 E German St.